JAVA. 
87 
wait until after such an event before replanning the village. I am sure no one who has 
visited Java can doubt the sincere desire of the Dutch Government to benefit the native 
population under its rule, which of course at the same time must benefit those who govern 
by bringing about peace and prosperity. If any other proof were wanting, the natural 
increase of the native population would be sufficient; but above all, I think, the rulers 
deserve all honour for the protection they afford to native labour. 
The Dutch colonists have some curious customs which are, on the whole, more suited 
to the climate than to the neatness of their personal appearance. In the early mornings 
the gentlemen wander about their houses and occasionally in the public roads in their 
pyjama costume, which consists of a loose white linen jacket and a pair of most gaudily 
coloured and extravagantly patterned loose linen trousers; a pair of bath-slippers complete 
the costume. In this attire they remain until after the morning bath, when they dress for 
breakfast: the pyjama costume is donned again after the mid-day meal, when a siesta 
lasts until four o’clock; then tea is indulged in, after which another bath is taken before 
dressing for the six o’clock dinner. In the evenings short walks or drives are apparently 
the only outdoor recreation indulged in, the Dutch, unlike the English, never exerting 
themselves with violent exercise in this hot climate ; consequently they become stout, but, 
after a long sojourn in the tropics, probably return to the Fatherland in a much better 
state of health than Englishmen, who often expose themselves too much during the heat 
of the day. The early morning attire of the Dutch ladies consists of a white frilled loose 
jacket, a bright-coloured sarong, white stockings, and a pair of high-heeled shoes, their 
hair hanging loosely down the back. In this costume the morning housework is done, and 
it is again donned for the afternoon siesta. After 8 p.m. it is once more dress as you 
please; and I must say this free-and-easy style fs very suitable to the hot climate. 
On the 10th I embarked for Sourabaya. The steamer was no longer a mail-steamer, 
JAVANESE IIATS. 
but one of the large coasting-steamers which ply between the Dutch possessions in the 
Archipelago. These steamers, considering the exorbitant fares charged, are dirty and 
uncomfortable, their cabins scarcely habitable, and must be considered somewhat behind 
